20 Affordable & Fun Things to Do with Kids in South Haven
South Haven during the summer is a wonderful place to explore and have fun with kids.
Planning your next visit with kids is easier when you know where to go and what to do. Here is a quick, no fuss list of affordable things to do this summer in South Haven, some are even FREE!
1. Kid’s Corner Playground – 563 Monroe Boulevard, South Haven
- Clean & colorful playground, picnic area, and shelter with a mural perfect for selfies
- Diamond with benches, perfect for a baseball or kickball game
- Beautiful views, located across from the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan
Insider Info: Wear your beach clothes and bring beach toys, the Blue Stairs to South Beach are located across the street.
2. Kitchen Tribes - 555 Phoenix Street, South Haven
- Outdoor food-truck style fare with a diverse range of menus
- Something for everyone, with unique menu concepts and world cuisine
- Ice cream for dessert!
Insider Info: Kitchen Tribes is a great downtown dining option when you need something satisfying and fast - keep hangriness at bay!
3. Chomp Gourmet Hot Dogs – Corner of Eagle Street & Kalamazoo Street, South Haven
- Enjoy quick & tasty gourmet hot dogs at their walk-up window
- Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Choose one of their signature dogs or build your own with many fresh topping options
Insider Info for Parents: Chomp is a great walk-n-go option, but adjacent Taste Bistro makes a fantastic date night!
4. South Haven Public Beaches – Various Lakeshore Locations
- Build sandcastles and hunt for beach glass
- Swing at the beach -- playgrounds on North and South Beaches
- Soak up some sun and swim in Lake Michigan
Insider Info: No trip to the beach is complete without experiencing at least one South Haven sunset! Check this week's sunset schedule on The Happenings in the Haven weekly event flyer.
5. SoHa Surf Shop Rentals – 518 Phoenix Street, South Haven
- Rental locations include: North Beach, South Beach and Black River Park
- Paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks, and canoes
- One hour, two hour and all-day rentals available, book online
Insider Info: Black River Park has a handicap launch available.
6. The Sun Setter – 345 Water Street, South Haven
- Enjoy a scenic tour of the Lake Michigan shoreline during a day or a sunset cruise
- The Sun Setter normally operates 7 days a week, mid-May through early October
- Children of all ages are welcome; walk-ons are accommodated if space is available or spots can be reserved ahead of time
Insider Info: Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks to enjoy during the cruise.
7. Splash Pad – 60 Water Street, South Haven
- A safe alternative for younger children wanting to enjoy water play
- Modeled after the Friends Good Will ship and located east of South Beach, it is easily spotted
- Picnic tables and grassy areas nearby offer families space to relax and watch the water fun
Insider Info: Take a break and grab a treat at the nearby South Beach Cafe.
8. Michigan Theatre of South Haven – 210 Center Street, South Haven
- Renovated movie theatre with comfortable seating
- Latest digital cinema releases at affordable prices
- Fun and fresh concession fare, and your favorite snacks are available to-go!
9. Michigan Maritime Museum – 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven
- Authentic waterfront campus offers hands-on exhibits in five separate structures
- Enjoy on-water experiences aboard their fleet of period and replica vessels
- Maritime District Harborwalk runs pier head to pier head with informative historic markers
Insider Info: The Maritime District Harborwalk is approximately 3.2 miles (5k), find the map here.
10. Stanley Johnston Park – 202 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven
- Enjoy the swings and basketball court
- Picnic shelter with tables and gazebo with views of the harbor
- Close to downtown South Haven
Insider Info: Plan a game of hide and seek, the tall trees in the park are the perfect setting.
11. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens – 903 S. Bailey Avenue, South Haven
- The historic home features both permanent and rotating historical exhibits
- Lovely gardens feature interpretive signage and community garden plots
- The short nature trail winds through a beautiful stand of woods
Insider Info: Summer hours run May – September. During the “off-season” museum is open by appointment.
12. Elkenburg Park – 309 Elkenburg Street, South Haven
- Full size basketball courts with bleachers
- Picnic area with grills and restrooms
- Updated playground area
Insider Info: Bring your basketball, friends, and your A game because the basketball courts are on point!
13. Lakeside Entertainment – 09921 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven
- 16 lane bowling alley
- American restaurant offering daily specials
- Seasonal outdoor 18-hole miniature golf course
Insider Info: 200+ seat restaurant/lounge serves lunch & dinner daily.
14. Rocket Arcade – 237 Broadway Street, Suite 6, South Haven
- Over 75 retro games including pinball for people of all ages to enjoy
- During Open Play, just walk-in and enjoy unlimited free play for one low price
- Family passes and micro rentals also available
Insider Info: Bring your quarters, some additional games are coin operated, including air hockey, foosball, Star Wars, Terminator and more.
15. Pilgrim Haven Natural Area – 18th Avenue, South Haven
- A delightful beach covered in rocks of varying colors, sizes, and shapes.
- Barrier free access, family friendly hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Open to the public and admission is free.
Insider Info: Visit Dimitridon Rocks and Studio in Downtown South Haven, find books about rocks and answers to your rock questions.
16. The Mitten Children's Museum - 246 Broadway Street, South Haven
- The perfect place to spend time with little ones, especially on rainy or red flag beach days
- Features sensory-friendly activities, a VR room, and craft space
- Available for birthday parties
17. Bumbleberry Acres – 6785 Baseline Road, South Haven
- Plan a day of family fun on the farm
- U-pick fruits & vegetables during the season
- Free petting zoo, playground & memories.
Insider Info: Bumbleberry Acres is a farm member of Lakeshore Harvest Country Agritourism Trail, visit some of the other farm members of the trail and discover more family friendly fun.
18. Sherman’s Dairy Bar – 1601 Phoenix Street, South Haven
- 32 homemade flavors, varies throughout the season – diary free and no sugar added options
- Other treats include flurry’s, sodas, shakes and malts
- Undecided, try a Sherman’s flight, 6 sample size scoops of any flavor ice cream
Insider Info: Order wisely, a baby is really a generous small and a double waffle cone feeds a family of 4!
19. Van Buren State Park - 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven Charter Twp
- The day-use area offers picnic tables and grills, a playground, picnic shelter, and two modern restroom buildings.
- The Van Buren Trail spur is a 4-mile paved connection between downtown & the state park
- 2024 Brochure Information
Insider Info: Bike rentals are available at Rock ‘N’ Road Cycle of South Haven, including kid’s bikes, tandems, trailers & tag-a-longs. Stop at DeGrandchamps Blueberry Farm for ice cream and other treats on the way!
20. South Haven Center for the Arts - 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven
- Open year round
- The perfect place to inspire the young artist in your family!
